THE Ministry of Education has announced that enrollment in nursery schools for the September term has commenced.

But unlike what obtained several years ago, children who are born on or before June 30 will be allowed to enroll in the year they turn three.

Since initial announcement of the change in 2013, significant strides have been made, with parents being able to see their children given a chance for an early start in acquiring a sound education.

The Education Ministry is encouraging parents and guardians to get their children placed at a school close to where they live. Registration forms are on the ministry’s website to facilitate a smoother and faster process.
The ministry wishes to remind parents and guardians that they should have their children’s birth certificates and clinic cards on hand when going to register their children, as this would save them time.

Parents/guardians should also be equipped with their National Identification Cards, and some proof of their address.

While maintaining its policy that children should be placed at schools closest to where they reside, the Education Ministry reiterates the point that it is the right of each child to be entitled to a nursery and primary education. Consideration will, however, be given to and for working parents who do not have a supervisor for their children at home once school ends for the day. In such cases, the child may be placed at the school closest to where the parent or guardian works. However, with this arrangement, the ministry must be furnished with a job letter from the parent or guardian.

Priority will be accorded to parents and/or guardians who work at schools; for example, teachers, vendors, cleaners, gardeners and handymen, among others, once they appeal placements for their children, since the situation would be regarded as if the child lives close to the school.

Any child who was born on or before June 30, 2011 should be attending school in the new academic year beginning September 2014, the ministry advises.

The Education Ministry is advocating early registration, so as to guide the process of sorting out the issues of accommodation, come September.